Doepfer A-100 Analog Modular System

Doepfer's A-100 Analog Modular System brings back all the
flexibility and old-school programming of vintage modular synthesis -
but the A-100 is new and comes with some modern features. Just like the
classic Moog, Arp, E-mu, Buchla, Serge, and Roland modular synthesizers
of the sixties and seventies, the A-100 system is a true analog system,
yet it's only been in production since 1995. It features analog
subtractive, additive, FM, wavetable sequencing, and vector synthesis
methods. Pictured above is a behemoth system, actually four cases full
of modules plus 3 MAQ16/3 sequencers, 3 MS-404's and a Shaltwerk sequencer...all linked
into one massive analog beast!

Just above is a more typical A-100 system. Like the vintage modulars,
the A-100 system is usually a custom built system. Doepfer offers
several function specific modules that you can pick and choose from to
fill up and design your system. There are modules for its oscillators,
filters, amplifiers, LFOs, sequencers, frequency shifters, effects, and
so on (see tech specs below). The true specifications of your A-100 is
really only limited by the number and variety of modules you choose. The
A-100 system consists of more than 65 different modules (as of May 2001)
but the system will be extended in the future. Some of these modules are
unique and do not exist in any other synths. Of course, there are also
A-100 Basic systems (ready-made) for those of you looking for a powerful
synthesizer but don't know a lot about the selecting appropriate
modules and designing a modular system (pictured below).

Like its classic predecessors, it has absolutely no patch memory
storage...how could it? Like any real modular synth, it is
patchable. That means that you have to patch your sounds by hand,
linking the osc. to the filters, amps, LFOs, etc. manually. Only then
can you start twisting the knobs and shaping sounds. This requires a
deep understanding of analog synthesis (or a serious desire to learn it)
in order to get the most out of your modular system. But unlike the
modulars of yesterday, the A-100 has MIDI control, so it's perfectly
suited for any studio work without any hassles. For hobbyists,
programmers, and experimental musicians, the A-100 is the perfect
choice. for jumping into analog modular synthesis! It has been used by
Kraftwerk, Hans Zimmer, Kinetic, Freddy Fresh, Longstone, Nine Inch
Nails, Steve Roach, Parallel Worlds, Ian Boddy, Kirk De Gorgio, Dron,
Gus Gus, and Human League.

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